John Edwards’ Daughter Jumps Back into Politics

Steve Exum/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — Two months after standing steadfastly by her father John Edward’s side during his hugely-publicized campaign finance fraud trial, Cate Edwards is hopping back into the political arena to stand by Trevor Thomas, a young, openly gay candidate for the U.S. House from Michigan.

In her first endorsement of the 2012 election, Edwards wrote in an email to Thomas’ supporters that he is “exactly the kind of candidate we should be standing up to support.”

“Trevor is a member of our generation who we can count on to stand up for fairness, equality and opportunity for every generation,” Edwards, 30, said.

Thomas faces former circuit court judge and businessman Steve Pestka in Michigan’s Aug. 7 Democratic primary. The winner will battle first-term Rep. Justin Amash, who at age 30 was one of the youngest people ever elected to Congress in 2010.

During her dad’s White House bid in 2004, Edwards openly supported gay marriage despite her father’s opposition to it. She has stayed largely out of the spotlight since Edwards’ finance fraud case ended in a mistrial in May.

Read Edward’s full letter of endorsement here:Dear Friend,

Aren’t you tired of hearing only partisan politics and bickering from the crowd in Washington? It’s time for a change — and we have a terrific opportunity to refocus our priorities on the American people in Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District.

Three people are running for the seat, but only one candidate brings progressive values and a fresh perspective to the table. That candidate is Trevor Thomas.

Trevor is an openly gay, pro-choice, pro-environment progressive who understands first-hand the unique challenges young Americans face today. He is exactly the kind of candidate we should be standing up to support.

Trevor is leading the way on education issues such as keeping student loan interest rates low and putting an end to the bullying in our schools.

And he has a track record of standing up for those who most need a voice. In the fight for the successful repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Trevor helped those who had been silenced by this discriminatory law tell their story to the world — in many cases, for the first time.

Trevor is a member of our generation who we can count on to stand up for fairness, equality and opportunity for every generation.

But Trevor has a battle ahead of him. He is up against an anti-choice Democrat and a tea party extremist. These values do not represent the values of young people in West Michigan or across this country.

And there is not much time left. With only 13 days left until the primary, it is more important than ever that Trevor get his progressive, pro-choice, pro-equality message out to voters in the 3rd District.

Join me in supporting Trevor Thomas — a progressive candidate for our generation — for the change we all so badly need. Click here to make an immediate donation to the Campaign for Us All.Sincerely,